1. Is the clapper rail headed for extinction or is the species having a temporary decline due to excessive predation, lack of resources, a disruption in the lower trophic levels, or some other reason? Explain your response as it relates to the specific ecosystem.
2. If nature had previously recycled nutrients using forest fires as the mechanism, why must we "prescribed burns" to accomplish the results today?
3. What are some of the similarities and differences between the function of decomposers and the effects of periodic fires?
4. Can energy be recycled?
5. Why do ecological pyramids have a wide base and narrow tip?
6. What are some of the methods used to study weather patterns? Do you think the data collected can help to predict future climate conditions?
7. Are temperature gradients present in all biomes? What is one example of an adaptation to a colder temperature range?
8. Can you give an example of adaptation to a very arid environment?